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Watching disaster-related coverage was significantly associated with post-disaster symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in children with pre-existing symptoms, according to a study in the journal Psychological Science. Researchers assessed the stress reactions of 141 children in New Orleans to the media coverage of Hurricane Gustav and found that PTSD symptoms before the disaster, perceptions of self-harm and TV viewing of disasters can predict post-disaster PTSD symptoms.

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About 25% of ICU patients develop post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a study to be published in Critical Care Medicine. Johns Hopkins University researchers found having patients keep ICU diaries was a potential way to prevent PTSD. "Diaries seem to help patients process their experience and formulate more accurate memories of their time in the ICU," said researcher Joe Bienvenu.

Unhurt children had a twofold increased risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms five months after their parents incurred serious injuries, as children whose parents were not injured, according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. The physical and emotional recovery of injured children was slower when their parents were injured as well, compared with those whose parents were not seriously harmed, researchers found.

Researchers reviewed 14 studies involving 758 3- to 18-year-olds diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and found that psychological treatments yielded better outcomes, such as lower levels of anxiety and depression. The findings appear in The Cochrane Library.

A study of 600 Swiss adults found Crohn's disease may cause post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers said evidence is showing serious illness, not just violence or disasters, can trigger PTSD. Crohn's patients with PTSD were more than 13 times more likely to have worsening symptoms than those without PTSD.

A series of studies of young children who experience traumatic events, such as Hurricane Katrina, found they show symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression similar to those of adults. The studies also found that younger children and girls are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms than boys and older youth.